Guess who went to a metal show?

One of these things is not like the others...

And did I mention it disturbed the hell out of me?  Read it here.

Allman Brothers/Santana at SPAC

I wrote about last night's show and posted pics over there - you know, on WordPress.

Rock & Run recap

SPAC ~ May 20, 2012

Can I blame my less than stellar time (28:27) on Max London?  No, probably not, but I can thank Capriccio Saratoga for the excellent Pasta Puttanesca carb load we enjoyed Saturday night.  I can also say,  that it was a hot morning and a hillier than expected course.  And a lot of fun!  I wish I had taken more photos but I learned during this event that it is really difficult to participate in and photograph the same event.  There were so many shots I didn't get, including of the bands scattered along the course, that I left feeling a tad disappointed.  Really though, how down can a girl feel after running on a beautiful day with a couple of great friends?

This was the third year for this event and I'm already looking forward to running it again in 2013.  And besting my time, of course.

Welcome!

image: downrangereport.blogspot.com

I wrote an awesomely bitchy note on my iPad earlier.  My intent was to work it into a blog post but, as I was polishing it, it somehow disappeared.  Poof!  Gone.  It was a verbose piece.  I used lots of big words, inspired perhaps by my stay last night at the Saratoga Hilton, formerly Cheryl Clark's digs.

The post was prompted by the dining experience I shared last night with two friends, each  of us restaurant server alumni.  We went to Max London's for dinner.  This was the second time around at ML's for two of us and, unfortunately, the experience was unerringly similar to our last visit - thoughtfully prepared food, nicely presented at the appropriate temperature contrasted with abysmal service.  I'm talking comically bad.  Epic.

It all began with the complete lack of welcome.  Both times I've ventured in to this place, the greeting, aka as the tone setter for the evening, in my opinion, was completely absent.  The folks standing behind the bar - posing perhaps for some unseen camera, didn't acknowledge us whatsoever.  All right then.

The hostess was busy and eventually got to us, estimating the wait for a table as about 20 minutes.  I set the timer on my phone and we walked and window shopped, returning in 12 minutes only to learn that we had lost our table.  A good hostess estimates a bit better than that, I think, and a great hostess notes the time she spoke with the prospective guest and does her best to honor it.

We elected to wait at the bar the second time around and, miraculously, 3 seats magically appeared.  We sat.  And sat.  And sat.  I would estimate it took a minimum of 5 minutes before we were acknowledged.  Please be aware that there were 4 or 5 people working behind the bar, none moving with any sense of urgency.  Not very impressive.  At last, we ordered 3 simple drinks (2 glasses of Prosecco and a g&t) and waited again, probably closer to 10 minutes this time.  By the time the cocktails were served our table was nearly ready and we were advised by the hostess to settle up at the bar because we would soon be seated.

Now, there's a nice way to convey to a guest that you'd like them to wrap up their check at the bar, I suppose, but her approach was not it.  The way she spoke, her tone of voice and her choice of words, was abrasive.  Nonetheless we attempted to pay the check as soon as it was presented (maybe 2 minutes after we requested it. Pretty good, right?), but after waiting more than 5 minutes to have our credit card processed, we ultimately took our unpaid check to the table.  And a tip?  Forget it.

Our server was earnestly green, a welcome change from arrogantly jaded, and he did his best to provide us with what we ordered.  And the food, by the way, was terrific.  Everything you've ever heard about their polenta fries?  All true - delicious!  When we ordered a second mixed drink and the wait to receive it was pushing the ten minute mark, we knew it was time to abandon any hope of the evening being redeemed.  I texted a friend and we headed to Capriccio Saratoga for the remainder of our dinner.

I would be remiss if I didn't share the funniest moment of the meal.  When we questioned our server about the missing drink he responded, without batting an eye, that the bar was very busy. The laughter that erupted from my table was the purest moment of joy prompted by our dining experience.  Overall impression: the kitchen deserves a much better front of the house presence - an effective dining room manager is sorely needed, in my professional and personal opinion.  You're welcome.

Rock n Run

Delmar Dash Day

I haven't really written too much about running lately...because I've been too damn busy running!  I ran a couple of races in March, including the Running of the Green (4 mi., 37:10) and the Ice Breaker Challenge 5k (26:25), while April's focus was the Delmar Dash (5 mi, 43:50).  You should know that I never imagined being able to bang out a 5k like it's nothing - when did that happen?  As far as running 5 MILES - well, I certainly didn't ever think I would be able to do that in my lifetime.  So, you know what that means, right?  Time to start pushing to 10k distances! 

I've been running with a couple of girlfriends and we're exploring the Normanskill, as well as the Pine Bush.  I love running down by the 'kill and would love to organize a couple of moonlit runs during the warmer months.  I think we could do a sweet 5 or 6 mile loop through the Normanskill area to the back nine at Capital Hills and then across New Scotland to Whitehall and back to the DelSo.  If you're interested let me know.  We'll probably have to be semi-stealth about it - shhhh.  As far as running in the Pine Bush - wow!  It is challenging and beautiful and kind of scary (ticks!), but it is also the perfect spot to meet my Niskayuna running friend, Chrissy.  And did I mention that it is stunningly beautiful?

May promises to be fun with the Rock and Run 5K, especially fun, in fact, if you're hitting Saratoga Saturday afternoon for a quick spin through the park's trails followed by a nice dinner and perhaps a cocktail.  Or two.  The run doesn't start until 10:30 Sunday morning so there are definite opportunities for fun!  Why don't you sign up, too?  Let's make it a real party.

Getting all Natty Bumppo

Although I was wearing Lycra instead of deer skin, and had no intention of hunting, that was one of the mental images I had yesterday while I was running through the woods on my maiden trail run. Another internal movie clip involved my being in a Black-Eyed Peas video, but I digress...

Have you ever gone trail running?! Or perhaps I should qualify that question by asking if you've run on a trail in the woods post-age 10 or 12, not including running away from the police while partying on the horse trails, Laker friends. I'm sure it is a natural progression to move from playing in the woods to hanging out with friends indoors, but I am firmly convinced it is time to take it back outside, people. The complete joy of running on pine needles in the dappled light of Saratoga State Park has made a believer out of me. Give me more, please!

When I got the invite to join a friend for one of these "trail runs," I was hesitant. I don't run with a partner or group - I'm more a lone wolf sort of runner. I don't want to be responsible for maintaining a conversation or pace, choosing instead to let my little iPod shuffle dictate my speed. I'm also kind of a freak about knowing how far I've run - 3 miles? 4? 4+? I very much allow distance markers and, in the city, counting traffic lights, to inspire me to continue running when my body is more inclined to slow down. But, the weather forecast and the enjoyment I always get when I hang out with Chrissy, prompted me to agree to give it a try, with the understanding that I didn't plan to run and talk simultaneously. Ground rules in place, we hit the ground...running

post run endorphin high

Despite our not always knowing where we were going and being completely ignorant of distance covered, I can say with absolute conviction that it was one of my favorite runs ever. Chrissy and I are well suited running buddies and we wordlessly pushed each other to run farther and faster and up and down some really fun hills. There was some conversation and plenty of blissful sighs, as well. It was an amazing way to spend a couple of hours and I'm already looking for other places where I can get off the pavement and into the grass. Any suggestions?

On the Edge of 17 - Still

circa '88 - note the shirt

Last night I revisited my all too brief girlhood when I took in Stevie Nicks at SPAC.  I must admit, I wouldn't have even considered going to this show, but the opportunity arose for me to take some photos for the TU SEEN gallery and it was a beautiful late August night, so to Saratoga I went.

A little history here (as if that photo on the left doesn't tell you more than everything you might want to know), Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album was the first record that pierced my existence.  I have such strong memories of those songs...definitely a desert island album for me.  My first big rock show in 1981 was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Brendan Byrne Arena.  Imagine my  excitement when Stevie came out to perform Stop Dragging My Heart Around with Tom and the band!  Note to those who may have caught that same tour but weren't fortunate enough to see Stevie: Sorry, it was the only time NJ was cooler than NY.  Ever.

During my teens when Stevie Nicks had a couple of big solo records, the girls and I were avid fans and, as the photo attests, I've got had the t-shirt to prove it.  We wore out a couple of cassette copies of Bella Donna and The Wild Heart doing laps around town in Mary Lynn's Camaro, believe me.  I'll never know if it was the husky voice, the cascading blond hair or the sensitive, yet strong lyrics, but I was hooked.  

Last night's show was simply a blast!  Walking around SPAC with a camera is really fun and the folks I asked to pose were totally into it - thank you all for being so gracious.  And thank you, Sally, for being such an excellent beer holder, I mean assistant. The crowd was small with only amphitheater tickets available in an attempt to keep things intimate.  The opening act, Michael Grimm, was good although we honestly didn't pay much attention because I was trying to catch some photos before the main event.  And Stevie?  Well, she talked a lot and she changed her clothes a few times, something I'm no longer accustomed to.  Guess it's been awhile since I saw a female performer live.  But, her voice?  It was money!  She sounded great - perhaps not hitting every high note as she may have in days gone past, but that beautiful husky quality is still there and she sang with a lot of heart.  Landslide and Dreams were definite highlights for me, and the crowd in general, judging from the sing along I witnessed.  Ok, the sing along I may have participated in.  And, while I have no interest in being 17 again, it is nice to know that my senior high quote, courtesy of Stevie, remains timelessly accurate:  "I have my own life and I am stronger than you know."

Giving it away...

image from fly92.com

My friend, Will, made a couple of tickets to this Saturday's Summer Jam available to me and I'd like to give the pair of tickets to you.  Gates open at noon, June 4th and the show is expected to wrap up at about 7 pm.  Performers include Big Time Rush, Jason Derulo, Vanilla Ice (!), The Ready Set, and Runner Runner.  I imagine that Fly 92.3 listeners are familiar with most of these performers and the weather forecast looks perfect for a day in the sun at the beautiful Saratoga Performing Arts Center.  I'll be at Mountain Jam down at Hunter, otherwise I might have ventured to Saratoga myself - my loss is your gain.

If you're interested in having these free tickets, leave me your best (made up)word beginning with DelSo. 

Example:  DelSolo, DelSoiree, DelSooverit...

Be creative.  Make me laugh and the tickets are yours - this is completely subjective! Contest open until Thursday, 6/2 at 8 pm.

Skiing Saratoga Spa State Park

see?  i'm not the only one who likes x-country!

Hi.  my name is Silvia and I'm a cross-country skiing addict.  Whew - that feels better.  Maybe not as good as being outside on a beautiful day with skis on my feet and the sun on back, but, good nonetheless.  The past few years have been  rough for those of us who are dependent upon mother nature for a good time, but she is really making up for the recent "dry" years with a season as good as any I can remember. 

My  love for Capital Hills has been well documented and I don't imagine there is a better free place within 5 minutes of my house, but variety is the spice of life and I'm all about mixing things up when I can.  That statement probably doesn't jibe with your librarian fantasy stereotype, but, believe it or not, not everything in my life is orderly.  Hello!  Have you been reading?  Anyway...

little geyser

Friday afternoon, after making a vat of soup, I drove up the Northway to Saratoga.  After checking into the Hilton Garden Inn, I got into my ski clothes and headed over to Saratoga Spa State Park to check out their trails and get some calorie credits prior to the evening's indulgence(s).

I've skied here a couple of times before in years past and love the southwest area of the park for its quiet hills and beautiful scenery, so that's where I headed.  The trails were a mixture of groomed and untouched, with the roads retaining enough snow cover to provide a decent enough trail for those less inclined to explore the wooded paths.  I had a great little run through, going past Peerless Pool and a number of the pavilions, before heading back to the hotel for a soak in the hot tub prior to dinner.

Friday's quick spin through the park was a mere precursor to the more extended run I took Saturday with a couple of friends.  I know that I've said this at least three times so far this winter, but I've sincerely meant it each time I've uttered the following words: The conditions were the best I've ever seen.  Really.  The skies were a brilliant blue, the sun shone brightly enough to convince me that I got a touch of tan on my face and there wasn't a hint of wind.  Absolutely ideal.  Period.  

a wooded path near the gideon

The loop we took was an extension of the path I had taken the previous day.  We started off downhill on the road and worked our way through a good portion of the southwest corner of the park, staying south of the Avenue of the Pines and west of Route 9.  The terrain had some mildly challenging spots but was better groomed than it had been a day earlier and we had a blast.  

It was the kind of day that, if we had unlimited time, we could have easily spent 5 or 6 hours tooling around the park with an occasional pit stop at either the warming hut or the Gideon Putnam's bar.  Or both.  But, alas, we all had places to go and responsibilities to resume, so after an hour and a half we packed it in and headed back to life, with a quick stop back at the hotel for a last dip in the hot tub.  Sublime.  Saratoga is not just for summer.

the epitome of saratoga in the winter

Dinner at Max London's

I don't often get to Saratoga, which is unfortunate because there are some places there that I definitely enjoy.  There are also a number of joints which I've been wanting to try;  places like Sperry's, Maestro's, and Max London's.  Friday night I finally got to Max London's - with basically good results.  I wasn't blown away by Max's food to the same extent that Mrs. London's almond croissants leave me begging for more, but, generally I was pleased with the food despite finding  the service lacking at times, and the music with the heavy Euro-techno beat more than a little annoying.
 

chickpea polenta fries

Speaking of annoying, nothing starts a dining experience more than the initial greeting.  When my party of two arrived the hostess was away from her post, which is fine and  understandable.  What is less than acceptable is that there were 2 folks working behind the nearby bar who refused to make eye contact with us.  That really bothers me...  I'm not asking for someone to immediately seat me, but I really do expect to be acknowledged by someone when I enter a business.  Mini rant over.

We were escorted to a table in a dining room occupied by 3 or 4 tables.  After the water sale service, which is somehow less irritating in a town renowned for its water, we took a look at the menu and made our choices: an order of chickpea polenta fries, a house salad, the clam pizza and the house meat ragu.  They serve their wine (like Otto) in quartos and we started with an Albarino with our first course, moving to a grenache/syrah (I think) with our second course.  The food came out in a reasonable time frame and was the appropriate temperature with the courses being well paced.  The server was occasionally attentive, but more often than not absent - not a real issue until we were ready to go and she was nowhere to be found.  I understand that when things are less than busy it is easy for servers to get sidetracked with their own conversations and perhaps, sidework, but a walk through the dining room on a regular basis is never a bad idea.   Just saying.



house salad

I'd never had polenta fries and thought they were delicious - wicked hot when they were served and beautifully browned and crunchy on the outside with a tender interior.  The salad was also nicely executed, fresh with a generous amount of cheese and walnuts - no real complaints other than an unrealistic wish for more dates. Dates, like the fruit - just to be clear.  I didn't snap a picture of the pasta dish because I was beginning to be self conscious of the flash on my crackberry.  Suffice to say, it was a very solid entree - rich in meaty flavor, not over-sauced and a fair portion.  The pizza was very, very good, almost reminiscent of the pizza I had last week in NYC.  The clams were not chewy, which had been a mild concern when we placed the order, and the saltiness of the pancetta was a great accompaniant to the mild sweetness of the clams.  The crust had those lovely bubbles we all dream about (am I having those pizza dreams alone?) and still tasted damned good hours later - cold.  


pizza with clams and pancetta

So, what's my verdict on Max London's? Quality food made from quality ingredients, at a somewhat premium price (we spent $100 with tax and tip), for sure. With a bit more hospitality in terms of service and vibe, I'd be game for a return visit. Until that day comes, though, does anyone have a recipe for chickpea polenta fries that they'd be willing to share?



(Post)Holiday Party at Cafe Capriccio

You remember how I said I was more than ready for the holidays to be over so I could have a little time to detox?  Well, it hasn't occurred yet.  Perhaps post-MLK weekend I will have an opportunity to dry out a bit, but the weekend after that is the Michael Franti show...I just don't see it happening anytime soon.  Ah, what the hell, I may as well just go with it, right?  Life is short and I've been blessed with an existence absolutely filled with delicious food and amazing wine.   Case in point: last night I enjoyed a fabulous evening out celebrating the holidays with the entire staff of the Lark Street Wine Bar and Bistro, hosted by Kevin Everlath, at the chef's table at Cafe Capriccio.  You know I have big love for the Cafe, and Jim Rua, and once again he did not disappoint.  I'm going to let the pictures tell the story of the meal we ate with gusto, but I would like to attribute the quote of the evening to Jason Baker.  Directed to Jim Rua and his kitchen staff, it followed the bountiful antipasti and pasta course and went something like this:  "The main course had better be good.  You set the bar high.  Jesus Christ!"  I know that Jim is often referred to as "Chief,"  but apparently to Jason (and all present last night) he also is a deity.  Our meal was that good.  I apologize in advance for not having photos of everything, including the life changing tripe with pork ribs, the tender cuttlefish and the crazy delicious mushroom dish.  I was distracted at times by my own need to eat and drink, forgive me.  Trust me though, everything was fantastic.  To make up for my lapse I'll give you instead a tidbit of hospitality insider information...  Much of the food pictured below will soon be available north of the Twin Bridges.  Watch for a Cafe Capriccio-esque presence soon in the Spa city.  Until then - feast on these pictures and visit the original location on Grand Street.

peppers stuffed with house made pheasant sausage

blood oranges, berries and cheese

white bean and braised kale crostini, roasted tomatoes, long beans with garlic

frittata

Yves (formerly of L'Auberge) plating pasta with a spicy watercress pesto

watercress pesto with tomatoes

plates waiting to be put to use



lamb shank extraordinaire with mashed beans and tender braised kale



kerry and jonathan - my alternating monday night work partners

crisan's tiramisu

                              the lark street wine bar and bistro crew

Retail Elves

Can we talk for a moment about people who work retail?  Over the years, I've envisioned myself doing retail - the hours, the holidays, the customers, and can say with a good bit of confidence that I could never do that job.  Never.  This may be surprising to some because superficially at least, retail and restaurant work have some strong similarities.  They obviously both involve customer service and money and not necessarily 9-5 hours, but, for me, they are incredibly different jobs.  I mean, seriously, being a librarian is way more like being a server in a restaurant than I imagine working retail would ever be.

I did a little shopping over the weekend and was unbelievably impressed with the level of service I received, both in person and over the telephone.  And I was one of those annoying people - you know, the kind of person you typically get stuck behind in a line.  My first shopping expedition was a telephone order to Best Buy.  I couldn't find my Best Buy account number (because I cut up most credit cards and use my driver's license to access my account), but, wanted to enjoy the 18 months interest free financing they offer.  Have you seen the price of an XBox 360 w/Kinect?!  I had a frustrating time on the phone because apparently Best Buy and the bank they use aren't allowed to share information, so my account number was inaccessible.  I resorted to phoning the Saratoga Springs location (which had the item I needed) and spoke with a woman who was amazingly helpful - she found the items, put them aside for me and then took care of the transaction for me.  And did all this with patience and competency - what more can you ask?

Later in the day, my friend and I took a painting break - we needed to get out of the house to sober up, to be honest.  Painting does mean indulging in substances which may cause mild intoxication, right?  Anyway...we headed to (the good) Macy's and spent a couple of quality hours shopping.  There were some good deals, the crowds were bearable and the service was excellent.  I made a couple of purchases in different departments and was consistently taken care of with pleasant capableness, even with my coupons and rewards tag. 

My final shopping experience of the weekend took place at the Best Buy in Saratoga when I went to pick up my previous day's purchase.  The place was busy and the lines were lengthy, but the cashier was friendly, did her job well and didn't make me feel rushed and that was despite the fact that I wanted to return the 3 items I had purchased the day before only to re-purchase them using a store account.  Yes - I was that person.  And then, when my transaction was completed, I inquired about the extended warranty available for my purchase and there wasn't even an eye roll.  Remarkable.

I don't know if it is a function of the economy making jobs harder to come by thus people are working harder to retain their positions, or if the tightness of the job market has compelled more qualified people to take previously less desirable jobs, but the end result is a retail workforce that has been an unexpected pleasure to deal with as a customer.  The jury may still be out on whether Santa exists, but, I for one, know that there are elves helping to make the holidays brighter.  Thank you, retail workers.  I value your assistance and will try to match your competence by being effusive in my praise and appreciation. 

Beekman Street Bistro

Unfortunately, we don't get to Saratoga very often.  It isn't the distance, as much as the drive home, that usually prevents us from heading north for an evening out, but, last night we had a driver and off we went in style.  The Beekman Street Bistro has been on our list to try for a couple of years and I am so glad we finally had an opportunity, and an occasion, to get there. 

The restaurant's location is enough off of the beaten track (not this track, more this one) to not be inundated with horse racing revelers, although trainer Bob Baffert was there to lend a little Saratoga summer flavor to the evening.  The space is cozy, well lit and comfortable, and I swear they robbed one of my playlists because the music (Dave Matthews, Etta James, some hip jazz) was eclectic and reminiscent of what we play Saturday nights at McGuire's.  The menu was fantastic.  It wasn't overwhelming in size, but there was no lack of enticing options and I went all out with four courses. 

I started with the Wellfleet little neck clams and they were a perfect launching point for the evening, tender and beautifully paired with crumbled sausage and "chic" peas.  Tom was in charge of wine selection and the bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte was the ideal accompaniment to our preliminary courses.  He had an order of sardines (an evening special) grilled and simply presented with olive oil and lemon.  They required a bit of delicate work in terms of bone avoidance, but the fish was sweet and tender.  We shared a salad of arugula with shaved foie gras, another special addition to the evening's menu.  The salad was more than adequate for sharing and I enjoyed it, but the foie gras was a bit more subtle than I had anticipated.  Nonetheless it was a fine middle course.  For my entree, I ordered the duck breast which was served with a perfectly balanced plum sauce (not overly sweet) and, boy, was it amazing with the Willamette Valley  Pinot Noir from Auteur that Tom had selected.  Other entrees present at the table were the quail and the hangar steak - all were relished.  The portion sizes were ideal, satisfying without overwhelming, local ingredients were appropriately credited, and the service was a genuine team effort.  For dessert we shared a couple of cheese plates (served with 3 selections and honey in the comb), an ice cream cake, a generous serving of lemon mousse that only could have been improved by a bit more refrigeration, and my choice, panna cotta, which truly was memorable with the syrupy balsamic vinegar drizzle on top. 

Tom, me, Maura, Kay, Jim and Stu

It was so nice to finally get to the Bistro and to have an experience which was well worth the wait.   I think I know where I want to go for my birthday next month - the $75 five-course chef's tasting menu is calling my name. And I definitely need to have the hubby get his hands on some of that fine Oregon wine, it is the perfect pinot for fall and will certainly sweeten the inevitable end of a wonderful summer.